Signal lantern



June12,1923. r I Y 1,458,665 G. w. STEWART 2 S IGNAL LANTERN Filed'march 29, 1922 2 seets-sheet 1 J5-TEL 31a/venlo@ Emme wgwar lign-i2, 1923. l 1,458,665

. -I Y -v v G. W. STEWART SIGNAL LANTERN Filed March 29; 1922 v l 2 sheets-sheet 2 lim gva/vanto@ HV Een? @Wewar Patented .lime l2, 1923.

'NiTED STATES GEORGE W. STEWART, F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

SIGNAL LANTERN.

Application led March 29, 1922. Serial No. 547,810.

To all whom it may concern.' f

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. STEWART, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new' and useful Improvements in Signal `lamterns, of which the following is a specification.

'This invention 'relates to lanterns. and the primary object of the invention is the 1Q provlsion of a lnovel electrlc hand lantern particularly adapted for signalling puroses, on rail roads Vand the like, but which 1s susceptible for other uses.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an electric signalling lantern, embodying a case for the reception of any preferred type o'f battery, a bail handle for supporting the case, and a depending reiiec tor carried by the case for supporting the Y signal lamp, the reliector'being of novel configuration wherebyI the rays of' light emanated from the lamp will be seen in all directions, irrespective of the position of the lantern.

26 A further object ofthe invention is the provision of a hand signalling lantern embodying a pair of signal lamps of different colors, a novel means for closing the circuit through either one of the lamps indey 30 pendent of the other or through both vof the lamps simultaneously.

lA further object of the invention is the provision of a hollow bail handle for supporting the body portion of the lamp, and a novel means for arranging the switches for closing the circuit through the lamps in the handle, whereby the same can be convenientlv actuated by the hand of the operator which is -used for holding the lamp.

A further object of the-invention is the provision of a novel' inverted conical shaped reflector for supporting the signal lamp, one of' the signal lamps being detachably supported at the apex portion of the` reflector so that the said lampcan be seen at all times during the swinglng of the lantern, the reflector also supporting a novel wire ard for the ,signalling lamp which also orms a supporting base for Y'the lantern when the same is placed upon the ground or other support.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means formed in the body po'rtion of the lantern for holding a suppl). of

the signal lamps, said means being adapted to receive a key operated lock, so that the reserve supply of lamps cannot be taken by' unauthorized persons.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a novel signal electric hand A lantern of the above character, which will be durable and efficient in use,` one that will be simple and easy to manufacture, and one which can be placed upon the market at :i reasonable cost. e y

With these and other objects in View, the invention consists in the novel construction, arrangement and formation of parts, as will be hereinafter more fully described,

yclaimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forminga part of this spee'i'4 fcation, in which drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical central section through the improved electric hand lantein.

F lgure 2 is a horizontal section through 75 the improved lantern."

Figure 3 is a horizontal the line 3 3 of Figure 1. s

Figure 4 is a fragmenta'ry vertical section lthrough the lowe'r portion'of. the lan- 80 tern taken on the line 4 4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a detail diagrammatic perspectlve view of the contact members for the signal lamps. 7

Figure 6 yis a detail cross section through 8.5 the handle taken on the line 6 6 of Figure 1, illustrating the* means of mounting the selective switches in said handle.

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary detail section through one of the bridge members utilized for closing the circuit through the signal lamps.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary side elevationof the body portion of the improved lantern, illustrating the means of connecting the battery case cover in position.

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of the electric circuit for the signal lamps.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout thel several views, the letter A generally indicates the improved lantern, which includes the body portion B, the handle C, the novel reflector D, signal lamps E, and F; and the guard and supporting base G.

' The body rtion B of the improved hand lantern consists of a cylindrical hollow casing 10 which is preferably formed of metal, but which can be formed of any other desection taken on sired material. While I have stated that the casing 10 can be formed cylindr1cal shaped, it is to be understood that the same can be formed of any other desired configuratmn, which is best suited for the type of batter 11 which is to be associated therewith. The attery 11 is of the ordinary dry cell type, includingthe body 12 having the contacts 13 and 14. It is to be also understood that any preferred type of battery can be used with the lantern. The ,upper and lower ends of the case 10 is left open and the upper end thereof is adapted to be closed b the removable cover 15, which also can be ormed of metal, if'so deslred. This cover 15 includes the disc shaped top 16 and the de ending annular side flange 17, which is a apted to receive the upper end of the case 10. If desired, the upper edge of the case v10 can be reinforced b a metallic ring 18, as clearly shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. The cover 15 is provided with a partition wall 19., which is disposed in spaced parallel relation to the disc shaped wall 16 and the periphery of the partition wall 19 is secured 'in any preferred manner Ato the disc flange 17 and is provided with a depending attaching flange 20, which is adapted to abut the upper edge of the case 10 when the cover is placed in position. The partition plate 19 is rovided with a hinged door 21, which can e norm-ally held in closed position by a suitable spring clip 22. The provision of the partition plate 19 forms a compartment 23, in which is adapted to be positioned a reserve. supply of lamps 24. The lower end of the case 10 supports the reflector D which closes the lower end of the case.

The supporting handle C for the body B is of thel bail type, and includes a tubular member 25. This member 25 is bent into a substantially inverted U-shape and includes the depending arms 26 and the connecting handle portion 27. The lower terminals of the arms 26 are secured to the lower end of the case 10 in any preferred manner. The case 10 at the point of connection of `the arms 26 therewith is slotted as at 28 for a purpose which will hereinafter more fully appear. The arms 26 at their point of connection with the handle or connecting portion 27 are provided with slots 29 and 30,

the purpose of which also will be hereinafter,

more fully described. l

The reflector D is of a novel configuration and forms an important part of m invention, and as shown the reflector inc udes an inverted conical portion 31, which is preferably formed of metal with the outer face thereof provided with a highly polished refleeting surface.

The base portion of the reflector D is provided with an outwardly extending annular attaching flange 32, which can be soldered or otherwise secured to the lower edge of the case 10 in any other referred way. The apex portion of the re ector 31 is dis d at the axial center of the case 10, and orms a suprprt for the socket 33 for the signal lamp The reflector D, inwardly of the apex portion thereof also supports a socket 34. for the signal lamp F.

The signal lamp E 1s of the clear or noncolored type` while the signal lamp F is preferably of a red color. Inasmuch as the signal lamp E will be used more than the lamp F the same is placed at the apex portion of the reflector D while the lamp F will be disposed at one side thereof. It is to be also understood at this point, that the signal lamp F can be entirely dispensed with if so desired, and the lantern made merely with the signal lamp E.

Disposed in the reflector D is a pair of conical members 35 and 36, which are formed of insulatin material, such as pressed paper or fiber, an these conical members 35 and 36 are utilized to insulate the contacts for the lamps E and F from thecasing 10 and the reflector D. Disposed at the lower end of the casing 1() is arranged an annular contact member 4() having formed thereon at substantially diametrically opposite points outwardly extending contact arms 41 and 42. The contact ring 40` is secured to a base plate 43 of insulation in any preferred manner, and as shown the contact ring 40 is provided with flexible tongues 44, which are inserted through the base plate. This base plate 43 is adapted to rest upon the upper surface of the inverted conical insulating members 35 and 36. Disposed on the opposite sides of the arms 41 and 42 are base contact members 45 and 46 and these contact members 45 and 46 can be secured in the same manner to the plate 43 as the contact ring 40. Disposed at the axial center of the-contact ring 40 and in spaced relation thereto is a central contact 47, and this central Contact is also secured in any preferred manner tlo the plate 43. As shown, one end of the central contact 47 is provided with a tongue 48 which is inserted through the plate 43, and at the other side the central contact is provided with a conducting arm 49, which is also extended through the plate 43. This conducting arm 49 extends radially toward the insulating conical members 35 and 36, and is bent downwardly and inwardly to provide the inclined conducting leg-50, which terminates in a horizontally disposed central contact 51 for the signal lamp E. This contact 51 for the signal lamp E is rovided with upwardly extending inclined) legs 52 which form the central contact for the signal lamp F. Y

By referring to yFigure 1 of the drawings, it can be seen that when the battery 11 is placed in the case 10, the contacts 13 and 14 thereof will engage respectively the central contact 47 and the contact 40 irrespective of the manner in which the battery may be disposed therein. The contact plate 46 which' is disposed in spaced relation to the contact lug 42 formed on the annular contact member or ring 40 is provided with a depending inwardly extending conducting arm 54, and this arm is disposed intermediate the insulating inverted conical members 35 and 36 and extends into electrical contact with the socket 33 for the signal lamp E. If desired, this conducting arm 54 can be riveted, or otherwise secured to the socket 33. The contact plate 45 which is disposed in spaced relation to the conducting lug 41 forme-d on the conducting ring 40 is also provided with an inwardly and downwardly extending conducting arm 55, which is extended through the plate 43 and this arm is disposed inten mediatethe insulating conical members 35 and 36 and extends into electrical contact with the socket 34 for the signal lamp F. Il desired, this conducting arm 55 may also be rigidly secured to the socket 34.

Now, it is obvious that when the contact members 41 and 45 are bridged by an electrical conducting member that the circuit through the lamp F will be closed, and when the contact members 42 and 46 are bridged by a suitable electric conducting member that the circuit through the signal lamp will be closed.

The members 41 and 45 and the contact members 42 and 46 are adapted to be bridged respectively by bridge plates 6() and 61 and these bridge plates are secured to insulation baseplates 62 and 63 and as shown, the base plates of insulation 62 and 63 have sockets 64 formed therein for the reception of the threaded inner terminals ofthe actuating vrods or wires 65 and 66. The upper terminals of the actuating rods or wires 65 and 66'are bent at right angles as at 67 and extended through the slots 29 and 30 formed in the arms or legs 26. The right angularly extending ends 67 of the rods or wires 65 or 66 are secured respectively to sliding thumb pieces 68 and 69, which form the means for permitting the actuation of the bridge plates and 61. These thumb pieces 68 and 69 are slidably mounted between guides 70 carried by the handle C.

JIn order to effectively hold the bridge plates 60 and 61 in their adjusted position, that is, in contact with the contact members 41 and 45 or 42 and 46 are out of contact therewith, the wires or rods and 66 are provided with inwardly extending bent bight portions 71 which are adapted to engage the opposite faces of -tits or'lugs 72.

which are struck in from the arms 26 of the handle C.. It is obvious that when one of the thumb pieces 68 or 69 is pushed downwardly that either the bridge .plate 60 or 61 as the case may be will be forced into contact with the pair of contacting members 41 and 45 or 42 and 46, and that the bight portion 71 of either one of the rods will engage the lower surface of either one of the tits 72 struck in the arms 26. It is also obvious that when the thumb pieces 68 and 69 are pulled upwardly that the bight portion 71 in either one of thev rods as the case may be will engage the outer surfacey of either one of the tits 72 and thus be frictionally held in its adjusted position.

The depending flange 20 of the cover 15 is provided at diametrically opposite points with bayonet slots 75, which are adapted to receive pins 76, carried by the case 10, and this will eil'ectively hold the cover on the case against accidental movement. In order to prevent the removal of the cover 15 by unauthorized persons from the case 10 so that the reserve supply :of bulbs 24 cannot be removed or the battery 11 tampered with, resilient spring tongues 77 are provided. These tongues 77 are riveted at one of their ends as at 78 to the flange 20 of the cap or cover 15 and the free terminals of the tongues are provided with slots 79 andl are adapted to overlie the angular ends of the bayonet slots- 75. positioned in the bayonet slots 75, lthe tongues 77 are flexed and placed over the pins 76. If desired, these pins 76 can be provided with openings for the reception of padlocks 80 and it is obvious that' when the spring tongues 77 are placed over the pins 76 and the padlocks 80 are placed in position` unauthorized removal of the cover 15 will be ell'ectively prevented.

The guard and base member G of the When the pins 76 are lantern is preferably formed of strong wire f of the desired gauge and includes a base ring 82 and inwardly extending supporting rods 83. As clearly shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the lower ends of the a rods 83 are coiled about the base ring 82,y while the upper ends thereof are flattened and riveted as at 84 to the case 10 adj-acent to the lower end thereof. It can be seen that this guard and 'base member G will not only act as a support for the lantern when the same is laid upon a support, but will also effectively prevent foreign objects from coming into contact with the l signal lamps E and F. l

In use of the improved lantern` when it is desired to close the circuit through either the lamp E or'F'it is merely necessary to actuate the thumb pieces 69 or 68 and this can be done by merely moving thethumb pieces 69 or 68 upward or downward and owing to the convenient disposition thereof, the user of the lantern can conveniently aetuate the said thumb pieces by the same hand which is utilized for holding the lantern. When the lantern is being swung for signalling purposes, it is obvious that irrey spective of the condition of the lantern, the signal lamp E will always be seen and that the conical reflector will reect the rays of light emanated from the lamp E in all directions. As stated, when desired to re'- move the battery 11, it is merely necessary to remove the cover 15 and the battery can be readily slipped out of its case l0.

Changes in details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention; but,

ll claim:

1. An electric hand lantern embodying a case, a battery removably fitted in the case, a handle secured to the case, a depending inverted conical reflector carried by the case, and lamps secured to the reflector one at the apex portion of the reflector and one at the side of the cone. y v

2. An electric hand signalling lamp comprising a hollow case, a battery fitted within the case, signal lamps associated with the case, a lll-shaped handle connected with the case, and independently operable switch members disposed at the opposite arms ot the hand gripping portion of the handle for closing and opening the circuits through the battery and the signal lamps.

3. ln an electric hand lantern, a hollow casing, a battery fitted in said casing, a hollow bail handle secured to the casing, a signal lamp associated with the lower end ot the casing, a sliding rod disposed in the hollow handle and extending into said casing, a thumb piece formed on the rod exposed at the handle, and a bridge plate carried by the rod in said casing for closing the circuit through'the signal lamp.

et. An electric hand lantern comprising in combination, a case, a hollow handle therefor having its interior open to the interior of the case and provided with a lug in the hollow of the handle, a battery and a` lamp carried by the case, a sliding rod disposed in the hollow handle and extending into the casing, said rod provided with an offset adapted to spring ove? said lug and engage either opposite side thereof, a thumb piece carried by said rod exposed at the outside of the handle, and a switch within said case operable by said rod to make and break a circuit including said battery and lamp.

5. lin an electrical signalling hand lantern, a' case .and a battery disposed in the case including a pair of terminals, contacts disposed in the case for engage-ment with the battery terminals, a hollow tubular handle connected with the case, a signal lamp, means for electrically connecting one contact with one terminal of the battery, and a conducting member electrically connected with the other terminal of the signal lampand disposed in spaced relation tothe other con* tact, a bridging member, and an actuating rod slidably mounted within the tubular handle connected with the bridging member and having its upper end extended interiorly of the handle.

6. ln an electric lantern. a case; a plate of insulation disposed in the lower end of the case, an axially disposed Contact carried by the plate, an annularly disposed contact carried by the plate and arranged in concentric relation to the case, a battery disposed in the case having a pair of terminals arranged to engage the contacts, a conducting member for electrically connecting the axial contact with one terminal of the signal lamp, an

electric conducting member electrically connected with the other terminal of the signal lamp and extended through the plate of insulation and disposed in spaced relation to the annular contact, a bridgingplate disposed above the annular contact and the last mentioned conducting member, a hollow tubular handle connected with the-lower end of the case, a wire slidably mounted within the handle connected 'with said bridge plate, an angularly disposed upper end formed on the wire and extended through the handle, a thumb piece carried by the extended end of the wire, and means for holding the wire in its adjusted position.

7. lin an electric hand lantern, a case, a battery disposed in the case including a pair ot' terminals, an inverted conical reflector carried bythe lower end ot the case, a socket carried bythe apex portion of the case, a lamp socket carried by one side ot the reflector. signal lamps detachably disposed in the sockets, a hollow inverted lll-shaped tubular handle having its lower ends secured to the lower end of the case and communicatingl therewith, a central contact disposed in the case, an annular contact disposed in the case. the contacts engaging the battery terminals, a conducting member connected with the axial contact and arranged to engage the central terminals of the signal lamps, outwardly extending lugs formed on the annular contact, conducting members electrically connected to the sockets of the signal lamps and having their upper terminals disposed in spaced relation to the lugs formed on the annular contact, sliding bridge members arranged above the lugs and the upper terminals oit the last mentioned conducting members, independent rods mounted within the handle, means connecting the lower terminals of the rods with the bridge members, and sliding thumb pieces carried by the opposite sides of the handle and connected 'with said operating rods.

8. An electric hand lantern comprising a cylindrical case, a battery having a pair of terminals disposed within the case, a removable cover for the upper end of the case, a conical shaped reflector secured at its base portion a socket carried by the apex portion ot the icc to the lower end .of the case,

reflector, a pair of conical insulating members fitted within the reflector, a plate of insulation carried by the base portions of the conical insulating members, a centrally disposed axial contact carried by the plate of insulation, an annular contact disposed on the plate of insulation and secured thereto and arranged in concentric relation to the axial contact, the contacts being adapted to engage the battery terminals, a conducting member connected with the axial contact and extended through the plate of insulation and engaging the inner face of the innermost conical insulating member arranged to engage one contact of the signalling lamp, a conducting member disposed between the conical insulating members and electrically connected with the other contact of the signallin lamp, a lug formed on the upper end of 51e last mentioned conductor member and disposed on the upper face of the plate of insulation in spaced relation toV the annular conducting member, and a bridge member adapted to be moved into and out of contact with the lug and the annular conducting member.

9. An electric hand lantern comprising a cylindrical case, a battery having a pair of terminals disposed within the case, a

removable cover for the upper end of the case, a. conical shaped reflector secured at its base portion to the lower end of the case, a socket carried by the apex portion of the reilector, a pair of conical insulating members fitted within the reflector, a plate of insulation carried by the base portions of the conical insulating members, a centrally:

disposed axial contact carried by the plate of insulation, an annular contact disposed on the plate of insulation secured thereto and arranged in concentric Irelation to the axial contact, the contacts being adapted to engage the battery terminals, a conducting member connected with the axial contact and extended through the plate of insulation and engaging the inner face of the innermost conical insulating member arranged to engagewme contact of the signalling lamp, a conducting member disposed between the conical insulating members and electrically connected with the other contact signalling lamp, a lug. formed on the upper end of the last. mentioned 'conductor member and disposed on theupper face of theplate of insulation in spaced relation to the annular conducting member, a bridge member adapted to be moved into and out of contact with the 1u and the annular conducting member, am? a wire guard and base member carried by the lower end of the casing arranged to house said signal lamp.

10. An electric hand lantern comprising in combination, a case, an electric lamp carried thereby, a handle forthe case, a plate of insulation in said case, an axially disposed contact carried by said plate and in conducting communication with one terminal of said lamp, an `annular contact carried by said plate in concentric relation to said axially disposed contact,`said annular contact having a laterally extending contact arm, a battery having terminals en gaging respectively said axially disposed and annular contacts, a conductor in conducting relation with the other terminal of the lamp and having an arm carried by said plate of insulation and disposed in the same plane, but spaced apart from said arm of the annular contact, a movablebridge piece for cooperation with said arm, and means operable from 'said handle for moving said bridge piece into and out of contact with said arms. f

GEORGE W. STEWART. 

